Monday, October 2

Greatest Dunkers

In light of the Sonics’ celebration of their 40th season, we thought we’d do our part to honor the heroic history of the Sonics, such as it were. Today’s entry highlights the 5 greatest dunkers in Sonic history, counted down, Casey Kasem-style.

Keep in mind that I’ve only been following the Sonics since the early 1980s, so apologies to fans of Spencer Haywood, Bob Rule, etc., as I just never saw them in action.

5. DERRICK MCKEYWhat? Derrick McKey? Pete, I thought this list was greatest dunkers, not most confounding small forwards!

Well, gentle reader, let me educate you on the gloriousness that was Derrick McKey in his young prime. Tell me, what other Sonic bumped his chin on the rim? I regret that YouTube is barren of evidence, but, trust me, McKey’s leaping ability had few equals.

4. XAVIER MCDANIELWhat McKey had in grace, the X-Man had in power. Whether it was an offensive board put-back slam, or the cruising-in-from-the-wing fast break tomahawk, X was arguably the most powerful dunker in Sonic history (non-Olden Polynice Division). My favorite Sonic dunk will always be his alley-oop against the Lakers in January 1986 on CBS.

3. DESMOND MASONYou have to respect the only man to win the Slam Dunk competition in a Sonic jersey. D-Mase’s speed and agility meant any number of beautiful, under-the-basket wraparounds, fast-break sprints, and just dozens of fantastic jams. His between-the-legs, show-it-left-and-right move sealed the deal for his 2001 Slam Dunk title at the All Star Game.

2. TERENCE STANSBURYAh, the Statue of Liberty: Seldom imitated, never duplicated. A forgettable career, but a remarkable feat, Stansbury was the true winner of the 1987 Dunk Contest, not the bald guy from Chicago. Stansbury’s dunk remains a thing of beauty, from the takeoff to the clenched fist at the end. I think everyone in my high school gym class at the time spent the next week trying to imitate that move.

1. SHAWN KEMPThere are dunkers, and there is The Man. The fantastic dash through the Knicks in the middle of traffic ... the unbelievable dunk and quasi-kung fu move against the Warriors in the playoffs. Like ice cream, everyone has their personal favorite, but we all can agree that Shawn Kemp has no equal when it comes to dunking greatness.

Honorable mention: Tom Chambers -- always solid, but even though it was post-seattle his dunk on Marc Jackson is an all itme great.

Honorable mention: X-Man -- the man was as hard nosed as any player ever. and beat me 5-1 in a 1 on 1 game at the Sonics Seafirst 7' tall basketball camp.

5. Ruben Patterson: An a-hole on and off the floor, but the boy had ups and attitude. I'm shocked you've all forgotten so quickly.

4. Kendall Gill -- just a physical speciman, his elevation was graceful with great power for a 2guard.

3. D-McKey -- apparently i too remember things most forgot; McKey was a low intensity high talent player. Remember he was the only guy in the leauge with the athleticism to cover Tim Hardaway, Michael Jordan AND premier big men (albeit temporarily.) Really an under-rated leaper.

2. Desmond Mason -- maybe the most fun to just sit back and watch and see what happens. He had that Dominique-Wilkins-Rebound-Dunkability that left your jaw down and your gum on the floor.

1. Shawn Kemp -- that McD's game dunk was wicked, and I'd never seen it before. Simply the greatest. Maybe in league history.

ricky pierce went to walla walla c.c. and was a wicked dunker there. you have to remember by the time he was with us he was in the twilight of his career. he dunked on my h.s. coach at W.W. and talked smack, "That's on you, white boy!" Heh heh.

and a final note-- does anybody else remember the hops GP had in college? He used to catch oops and the only dunk i ever remember him getting in the NBA was the "on Jordan" one.

SOS&S will also be raffling off a number of Sonics merchandise including: -Two tickets to Opening Night against Brandon Roy and the Blazers! -Sonics T-shirt autographed by Ray Allen!-Sonics poster autographed by Luke, Nick and Ray!-A SOS&S long sleeved shirt signed by Slick Watts!

Slick Watts is planning on attending our rally for any fans who would like to meet him. Slick Watts is a Sonics Legend and the Director of Community Relations for Save Our Sonics and Storm.

After the rally, everyone is welcome to come to Councilmember Nick Licata’s Q&A session located at Olympic View Elementary. Interested parties who cannot attend the earlier rally are still encouraged to attend this meeting and show their support.